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6 Best Vegan Hair Mask Brands to Nourish Your Strands

Updated: April 16, 2020

By Michelle M. VanGurp

Have you heard hair masks could be the miracle hair treatment your desperate tresses have been begging for? It’s true!

Hair masks can help solve a plethora of hair havocs. They aren’t just for damaged hair, either!

Today’s hair masks can remedy problematic hair and so much more. But who needs them? How do you use them? And what do you look for when choosing one?

What Is a Hair Mask and Who Needs It?

A hair mask is an ultra-moisturizing, deep conditioning hair treatment, usually used once a week, to help battle dry, brittle, or damaged hair.

Like a facial mask, it’s meant to be applied and then allowed to soak in for a longer period of time before washing out.

The lengthy soak allows the product to be absorbed into your hair, nurturing it from everyday stresses, chronic dryness, or coarse texture.

Hair masks are formulated for nearly every hair type, but they are especially useful for dry, damaged hair, color-treated hair, frizzy hair, and thick hair.

They are also a great way to pamper yourself, as many hair masks have an intoxicating, aromatherapeutic scent. Think tropical vibes while soaking in a hot tub with your fave bath bomb, book and beverage of choice!

Hair masks may not be a “need” per se, but they’re an inexpensive way to pamper yourself, and your hair will look as amazing as you feel! Wins all around!

How Do You Use a Hair Mask?

Each brand and formula of hair masks will come with their own instructions for use, but in general, masks should be applied to freshly washed and wet hair. Then, just let the product sit and soak for the recommended or desired amount of time.

Some masks are intended for more frequent use, so you’ll want to wash out after a few minutes. Some require a longer period for most effective conditioning. Think 20 minutes or so.

But for even deeper conditioning, hair masks can be applied to dry hair, covered, and left to soak in overnight. This method is particularly beneficial for folks with coarse or heat damaged hair.

The best part about hair masks is they can be used in myriad ways, depending on the intensity of conditioning your hair needs.

It may take a few tries to figure out what works best for your hair.

Remember, the condition of your hair can change with the seasons, with your environment, and with your body, so you may need to adjust your hair treatment accordingly!

What to Look for When Choosing a Hair Mask

You’ll want a product that can be used in multiple ways, as the condition of your hair isn’t static, but always changing.

It’s important to find a product that’ll work with different hair types, so you won’t have to run to the market searching for a new product every time your hair decides to have a mind of its own.

The main benefit of a hair mask is conditioning, so you’ll obviously want to search for conditioning oils and ingredients.

Coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, and Argan oil are well known for deep conditioning. Isn’t it wonderful that the best oils for your hair are plant-based? No need to synthesize what nature has already perfected!

As a plant-based consumer, you’ll want to avoid animal products in your hair masks. Avoid honey, goat or cow milk, animal butters, lanolin, or animal-based colorants. And of course, you’ll be on the lookout for products not tested on animals.

Many drugstore brands are touted as cruelty-free, not tested on animals, or PETA bunny certified, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the ingredients are all natural or good for your hair.

There are also a lot of chemically sounding ingredients that may be off-putting. Your best bet is to research those ingredients to see if they are naturally sourced or synthetic.

Scientific names are notoriously difficult to pronounce, but not necessarily bad for you. If in doubt, look it up! Educating yourself on ingredients is always time well spent!

This knowledge will help you discern what’s best in all products you purchase, from personal care to food. There is never a bad reason to become a more informed consumer.

Drumroll, please! Presenting our picks of the products for you to check out!

6 Top Picks for Vegan Hair Masks

ecoLove Deep Conditioning Hair Mask for Dry Damaged Hair

Its proprietary blend of carrot, pumpkin, and sweet potato combined with Dead Sea minerals create a thick cream that repairs and smooths your damaged tresses. It‘ll help your hair be smoother, shinier, and healthier than before use.

This mask can be used in the shower for a quick fix or slathered on and allowed to soak in for longer for a deeper treatment. It also makes a great detangler for kid’s hair.

Just use a dollop spread between your hands and work into the knotty, tangled areas. If you only use a little, you don’t need to wash it out.

If you aren’t scent sensitive, this mask smells delightful. But if you are, be aware that the fragrance is strong for some, and it lasts.

TruePure Natural Hair Mask

Although use on oily hair seems counter-intuitive, I can attest that oily hair needs deep conditioning too! This product can be applied to the roots of oily hair to combat dryness and frizz, without weighing down oily roots.

This formula boasts no added fragrance, which is helpful for those with fragrance sensitivities or easily irritated scalps.

The mask is perfect for men and women, as it has no overpowering fragrance to interfere with its healthful benefits.

In fact, this formula is touted to help reduce hair thinning and loss, and to heal the hair, not just give it a quick fix.

The formula is thinner than you may expect, so adjust the amount you use to achieve your desired results.

A thin layer can be effective for deep conditioning, if you leave it on for an extended period of time.

Top Choice for the Best Vegan Hair Mask

Macadamia Professional’s Pro Oil Complex takes nourishment to the next level, and this mask can treat even the driest, most damaged hair. This product improves shine, prevents breakage, and just makes hair healthier!

The price per ounce might look a little steep at first, but this mask is worth every penny. And it’s so thick so only a small amount is needed!

Whether you have fine hair that’s dried out by bleaching and blow drying or thick, curly hair which always needed some extra love, this mask can transform your locks, especially when used on a regular basis.

We also love how Macadamia Professional recently committed to making their product line 100% vegan in addition to never testing on animals!

Everyone’s hair is different, so it might take a few tries to find the best mask for you. But now you know there are plenty of vegan options out there, and our top picks can point you in the right direction!

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Michelle M. VanGurp

I'm a mom of two tweens. It's important to find food that satisfies our hunger and also fits into our busy lives. I love to find and share food that's easy, delicious, and plant-based. Writing about cooking is a dream come true.

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